Mission Statement
Inspire kids to develop their natural passion for science.
Our mission is to establish an interactive science environment in Washington that will inspire and develop passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in elementary and middle school aged kids (K-8), and also be interesting to the whole family. With hands on, project-based experiments, Cascades Science Center will become the nexus of science education, with constantly evolving content related to issues and trends of the time.
Specifically, the foundation is chartered to:
- Serve as a stimulus and uniting force for the creation of a science center located in King County, Washington.
- Partner with education, science and research institutions and corporations to improve STEM education.
- Provide an environment for youth to take the lead in fostering other kids’ interest in science.
- Inspire students to pursue studies and careers in scientific fields.
- Engage and encourage communities to participate and facilitate the goals of this program.
- Develop a prototype model that can be replicated in other sustainable communities throughout the nation.
Description
The Cascades Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with the long-term goal of inspiring kids to develop their natural passion for science. It was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2006 in the state of Washington and was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2007.
The foundation is in the early stages of developing and funding hands-on science and technology center in King County, Washington. This new science and technology center will be named Cascades Science Center. The primary focus of Cascades Science Center will be to expose children to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on experiences above and beyond the education they get at schools.
We believe that science provides practical tools for understanding everyday life. It advances critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Irrespective of whether a student chooses a path to become a doctor, lawyer, enterpreneur or a scientist, developing a scientific mindset with quesitoning and problem solving is critical to enhancing logic and reasoning. We want to complement the education students receive at schools by providing opportunities for students to try and practice science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a safe environment. Through the mobile science kits, we will set up the labs where the kids are: whether in schools, libraries or community centers. The kids need more opportunities to learn and love science. Our goal is provide resources for kids so they can experience and understand the science they see everyday.
The foundation is currently sustained and operated entirely by volunteers. We are inviting community-minded individuals and organizations to join us in our effort to realize our vision.
